JACKSONVILLE, OR. — The Britt Music & Arts Festival has officially named Norman Huynh as the next Music Director of the Britt Festival Orchestra (BFO), marking a new chapter in the ensemble’s 62-year history. Huynh, an acclaimed American conductor known for his vibrant programming and dynamic stage presence, begins his three-year term this month. He becomes only the fifth person to lead the BFO since its founding.
Huynh will serve as the principal conductor during the orchestra’s three-week summer season, held annually at the Britt Pavilion in Jacksonville. In addition to conducting up to nine performances each year, Huynh will play a central role in long-term artistic planning and will work closely with Britt leadership to curate a mix of beloved classical works, world premieres, and genre-defying collaborations aimed at drawing in both devoted patrons and new audiences.
The appointment concludes a nationwide search that spanned two years and reflects Britt’s continued focus on expanding the reach, relevance, and inclusivity of its programming. Known for breaking barriers between classical music and mainstream culture, Huynh is expected to inject new energy into the orchestra’s mission, both on and off the stage.
Huynh’s connection to Britt dates back to 2023, when he guest-conducted The Princess Bride in Concert. That debut sparked what would become a fast-growing relationship between the conductor and the Britt community. His return marks a homecoming of sorts—and a full-circle moment for an artist whose ability to connect across genres, generations, and geographic boundaries has made him a sought-after name in American orchestral music.
As Britt’s new musical ambassador, Huynh will also take on responsibilities beyond the baton. His role will include community outreach, education initiatives, fundraising efforts, and broader strategies to grow audience engagement across Southern Oregon. Britt officials say his appointment supports the organization’s “Next Big Dream” strategic plan, which prioritizes innovation, access, and the cultivation of diverse audiences.
Huynh brings with him an impressive resume that spans the country and the globe. He has conducted major American orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Oregon Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Minnesota Orchestra, and has also led performances in Europe and Asia. Since 2020, he has served as Music Director of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra, where his leadership has resulted in record-breaking growth in ticket sales and subscriber engagement.
Before his Bozeman appointment, Huynh was the associate conductor of the Oregon Symphony and assistant conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra in Maine. In those roles, he spearheaded several forward-thinking initiatives, such as the “Symphony and Spirits” concert series targeting younger audiences and the PSO Explorers Program, which earned national recognition with the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award.
Britt President and CEO Abby McKee called Huynh’s selection “a tremendous honor” and praised his ability to inspire musicians and audiences alike. Huynh will take the reins from a prestigious lineage of music directors, including Teddy Abrams, Peter Bay, James DePreist, and Britt founder John Trudeau.
As a first-generation Asian American raised in Alabama, Huynh credits his start in music to an early love of playing trombone and euphonium in school bands. Today, he continues to champion accessibility in classical music, frequently conducting film scores, pop collaborations, and performances that blend orchestral tradition with contemporary flair. His past concerts have featured artists ranging from Itzhak Perlman and Philip Glass to Nas, Wyclef Jean, Gladys Knight, and Boyz II Men.
The Britt Festival Orchestra is expected to benefit not only from Huynh’s musical prowess but also from his vision for making orchestral music a more inclusive and engaging experience. With an eye on both excellence and evolution, Britt’s newest music director is set to lead the orchestra into a vibrant future—one symphony at a time.